The toaster just got reinvented after 100 years — and it can actually 'see' when your toast is done

Tired of pale toast or burnt slices, never quite getting the toast color you want? Struggling to figure out the right timer setting for your sourdough or brioche? Breville’s latest toaster might be the key to achieving perfect toast every time.

While we’re used to the standard pop-up toaster that works on a timer, Breville has entered the market with a game-changer for toast lovers — and I can’t wait to get my hands on one. Breville’s Eye Q toaster ditches the traditional timed method and instead keeps its eye on your bread to deliver your ideal toast shade. It's a big leap forward from the first pop-up toaster designed by Charles Strite in 1926

Smart toasting

So how does it work? Breville’s smart toaster uses optic sensors to detect color change in your bread—which it does this up to 10 times per second—and stops toasting when the desired shade is reached. What's more, you can choose from 7 shade options.

For the user, it takes the guesswork out of time-based toasting — and for some, avoids the inevitable task of scrapping burnt toast or tossing it out! It also eliminates the need for a defrost button, since the sensors handle it automatically. Plus, for those who prefer sourdough, which can be tricky to toast evenly, it has a dedicated sourdough mode.

However, what happens if you want to warm up a snack, rather than go for a full-on toast? The Eye Q gives you the option to switch to a standard timer mode — just be sure to switch it back. I predict Breville’s Eye Q will win the hearts (and stomachs) of all toast lovers...if you have the means.

When can you buy it?

That said, it’s not available everywhere just yet. Currently, you can purchase the Eye Q range direct from Breville in Australia, starting from AU$469 for the 2-slice model, and AU$629 for the four-slice toaster. We’ll report back once we hear about availability in the U.S. and U.K.

It’s a steep price to pay for perfectly colored toast, so it will be interesting to see how popular Breville’s Eye Q range becomes with consumers. Although you do get to choose between four colorways — Black Truffle, Sea Salt, Stainless Steel and Noir — making it easy to match this countertop appliance to your kitchen aesthetics.

However, there is one feature of the Eye Q that I find a bit disappointing. According to Breville, you won’t hear the bread ‘pop up’ — instead, it rises silently and smoothly.

Breville Eye Q Auto 2 Slice Toaster: AU$469 at Breville Australia

Toasting goes up a notch with the Breville Eye Q. Simply choose from 7 shade options and enjoy perfectly colored toast, without using a timer, all thanks to optic sensor technology. The non-stick ceramic coated top is easy to clean and the crumb tray collects any debris.

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